Hills and Waters
In ancient China, Xixi (West Creek) was a gathering place for scholars and a haven for those who sought solitude. Located in the western part of Hangzhou, the Xixi Wetland is six kilometers from the city center and five kilometers from West Lake. Despite being abandoned for a time because of war, the wetland has a history of more than a millennium. From 2003 to 2008, the Hangzhou municipal government developed the area into a wetland park. Spread out over 11.5 square kilometers, it serves as a “green lung” for the Hangzhou area. The park retains the ecological features of the wetland, and holds traditional dragon boat races during the Dragon Boat Festival. The park has become a leisure and tourism destination for the modern age.
Xixi National Wetland Park is not only a cultural wetland, but an urban and agricultural wetland. It was included on the List of Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance in 2009.
Xixi was called Hezhu in ancient times. Xixi covered an area of about 60km² in history, while Xixi Wetland which is under protection now covers an area of about 11.5km². It is divided into three areas: ecological protection and cultivation area in the east, ecological travel and leisure area in the middle, and ecological landscape closed cultivation area in the west.
Xixi was called Hezhu in ancient times. Xixi covered an area of about 60km² in history, while Xixi Wetland which is under protection now covers an area of about 11.5km². It is divided into three areas: ecological protection and cultivation area in the east, ecological travel and leisure area in the middle, and ecological landscape closed cultivation area in the west.
(Source: Management Committee of Xixi Wetland)
